The Uncanny Valley Is Gone, Now What?

Hey Friends,

You know those moments where something fake looks too real, and it makes your skin crawl? That’s the uncanny valley. Well, Google’s latest model, VEO 3, has officially wiped that valley off the map. I’ve seen footage generated by this thing that rivals Hollywood, and not in some abstract sense. I’m talking about simulated dogs running through living rooms, fake conference speakers with realistic expressions, and even a live-action version of The Simpsons intro that’s weirdly charming. The kicker? None of this was shot with a camera. It was all dreamed up by AI.

We’re also seeing a tidal wave of creativity explode across the internet as more people gain access to VEO 3. This model generates visuals, and is influencing how creators tell stories, market products, and how humans relate to synthetic content. Combine this with Google Beam, the new 3D AI video communication platform, and suddenly we’re not just seeing better content, we’re living inside it. Beam replicates your body language, facial depth, and eye contact to a level that honestly feels surreal. It’s one of those quiet drops that might end up changing everything about remote communication.

But not everything coming out of the AI world is fun and games. I also covered a heated labor dispute over Darth Vader’s AI-generated voice in Fortnite, where the issue wasn’t the tech, it was the total lack of human consent. AI allowed the game’s producers to animate and voice Vader without involving any of the 54 actors who’ve portrayed him over the years. And then there’s traffic enforcement, another area where AI’s impact is growing. A new study showed that AI-enabled camera systems significantly reduce accidents, even in areas where no cameras exist. It’s proof that behavior changes when people think they’re being watched.

The question isn’t whether AI will be part of your life, it already is. The real question is whether we’re prepared for what it means when digital avatars start replacing us in subtle, systemic ways. From nunchuck-wielding robots to 3D facial clones, we’re seeing not only visual fidelity but behavioral mimicry. It’s cool, it’s creepy, and it’s accelerating. Buckle up.

Warmly,

Dylan Curious